Carroll now offers Master of Science in Exercise Physiology

June 4, 2013

WAUKESHA, WIS.—Carroll University recently added a Master of Science degree program in Exercise Physiology, with concentration areas in clinical exercise physiology, and strength and conditioning. Classes begin in fall 2013 and applications are being accepted. For information, call 262.524.7220 or go to http://www.carrollu.edu/gradprograms/mexs/default.asp.

Exercise physiologists deliver programs and services for health and fitness, provide rehabilitation of chronic disease and disabilities, and counsel individuals interested in athletics or performance training. Students in Carroll’s Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program will be prepared to work with the apparently healthy, the aging, and those with chronic disease and disabilities in secondary and tertiary care, as well as preventative settings.

“This program establishes both a theoretical and practical foundation for clinical practice,” said Tom Pahnke, chair of Carroll’s Department of Health and Human Movement Science and a clinical associate professor of physical therapy. “It focuses on the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to address a variety of conditions within clinical rehabilitation settings, as well as traditional fitness and sports settings. Additionally, Carroll offers a small university setting, smaller class sizes, an applied curriculum, and extensive hands-on experience.”

Coursework in the 21-month program includes lecture and lab, incorporating innovative approaches to performance, exercise and rehabilitation. Elective courses may be taken in complementary areas, such as business and leadership and health education. The M.S. in Exercise Physiology is also offered in an accelerated format as a 3+2 program, in which students can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.

Within the required minimum of 600 practicum hours in the clinical exercise physiology track, students will serve a variety of populations, including those with cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic and hematologic disease. The program will prepare students to sit for the ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification exam.

Dr. Brenda Reeves is a clinical assistant professor of exercise science at Carroll, executive director of the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, and program director for the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. She said, “Carroll University’s program is on the front end of new educational models stressing the clinical aspect of exercise physiology, and preparing young professionals to deliver clinical exercise physiology services in a variety of settings outside of traditional cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.”

Carroll’s strength and conditioning concentration builds on the current undergraduate program in exercise science. This more traditional strength and conditioning curriculum will prepare students for careers in sports medicine, including the strength and conditioning coach, performance coach, and sport physiologist. This track focuses on performance, injury prevention, and sports nutrition in competitive and recreational athletes from youth to master’s level. It requires a minimum of 400 hours of internship experience.